Structural Steel FAQ, Part 2 – Methods of Surface Preparation

Structural steel is a widely used material in a variety of industries due to its strength and durability. Our last post in the Structural Steel FAQ series established why this material must be prepared – namely to preserve its strength and longevity. This post will describe the type of surface preparation required before shot blasting structural steel.

In order to stand up to the harsh demands of the construction, shipbuilding, and heavy equipment industries, the most appropriate type of surface preparation must be undertaken to ensure the best shot blasting results possible.

We turn to another FAQ about structural steel: What type of surface preparation is required prior to shot blasting?

The answer depends on the condition of the component…

The Source of Contamination

Numerous factors contribute to the presence of contaminants on structural steel components, which must be removed before passing through a shot blast machine. If left on the work pieces, contaminants can adversely impact the shot blast and subsequent coating processes.

Common surface contaminants on structural steel and their sources often relate to forging, transportation, and storage.

Drilling and cutting compounds, grease, and oil are often intentionally applied for machining or corrosion protection during transport, especially when transported by sea.

Soluble salts such as chloride, sulfate, and nitrate may be deposited through the atmosphere during transport (especially sea transport) and outside storage, especially in coastal regions.

Water, dirt, dust, and leaves are also accumulated through transport and storage and are more prevalent in coastal regions and sea transport.

Ice and snow are a common occurrence in colder climates.

Dangers of Poor Preparation

Regardless of the source of contaminations proper removal is imperative to ensure proper surface preparation to prevent problems.

Problem – If left on the work pieces, grease, oil, and salt deposits create a layer of “smut” on the blast media causing “backside” contamination on the work pieces. Oil and grease carried into a shot blast machine can also cause a catastrophic fire.

Solution – The parts must be washed beforehand with an alkaline cleaner; usually with a spray washer.

Problem – Water carried into the shot blast machine can cause corrosion of the blast media and the machine. Dirt, sand, and dust will contaminate the blast media affecting the blast results and causing premature wear. Loose leaves will also contaminate the blast media and can even cause a fire.

Solution – Install a blow‐off station in front of the shot blast machine to remove water and any loose contaminants.

Problem – Ice and snow present on a component will also cause corrosion of the blast media and the shot blast machine.

Solution – The use of a pre‐heater in front of the shot blast machine can be used to melt snow and ice, ensuring that the work pieces do not carry any moisture into the shot blast machine. The pre-heater also serves a dual function, bringing work pieces to the optimum temperature of about 100° F for the subsequent coating process.

Mind Your Media

Even once your work piece is ready for shot blasting, you still need to accommodate for contaminant removal in the media used by the shot blasting equipment.

The working mix of abrasive media in shot blast machines is recycled many times. Along the way it picks up all kinds of dry, loose materials including rust, mill scale, abrasive fines, debris, etc. Removal of these materials by continuously cleaning the abrasive media mix is essential to ensure good blast cleaning results.

While fully adequate for removing these dry, loose contaminants from the abrasive media, the cleaning systems in shot blast machines (known as air‐wash separators) are completely inadequate for dealing with oil, grease, salt, and water, necessitating proper cleaning and preparation of work pieces before – not during – the shot blasting phase.

Go-to Guidelines

Much like the standards used to evaluate different surface characteristics of steel components and the respective preparation requirements in our last structural steel post, there are also guidelines for the cleanliness of media used when shot blasting structural steel.

Abrasive specification no. 2 (SSPC AB 2) defines the cleanliness requirements for ferrous metallic abrasives used in shot blast machines for removal of scale, rust, coatings, and other foreign matter. It also describes procedures to test for the presence of these materials:

Non-abrasive Residue – Contaminants must not exceed 1 percent by weight of the working mix.

Lead Content – Contaminants must be equal or smaller than 0.1 percent (1000 ppm) by weight of the working mix.